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inferior conjunction

American  
[in-feer-ee-er kuhn-juhngk-shuhn] / ɪnˈfɪər i ər kənˈdʒʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Astronomy.
  1. the alignment of an inferior planet between the sun and the earth.


inferior conjunction Scientific  
/ ĭn-fîrē-ər /
  1. See under conjunction


Etymology

Origin of inferior conjunction

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This bright and effervescent neighbor — at -4.2 magnitude, according to the United States Naval Observatory — reaches inferior conjunction on Jan. 8, which means that Venus moves between the sun and Earth.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2022

Superior conjunction is, in fact, similar to full moon, and inferior conjunction to new moon; while the eastern and western elongations may be compared respectively to the moon's first and last quarters.

From Astronomy of To-day A Popular Introduction in Non-Technical Language by Dolmage, Cecil Goodrich Julius

When at inferior conjunction Venus approaches nearer to the Earth than any other planet, its distance then being 27,000,000 miles.

From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel

Mercury or Venus is said to be in inferior conjunction, when it is situated in the same longitude as the sun, and between that luminary and the earth.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

Mercury had passed inferior conjunction; no other Mercutian vehicles had been reported as landing anywhere on the earth.

From The Fire People by Cummings, Ray

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